Understanding how the United States began is crucial in understanding how it will continue. As people began to settle in the United States, the area was shaped into something quite different. Helping students to become knowledgeable about how this country was shaped will help them become the leaders of tomorrow. Understanding how the NC began is important in knowing how it continues.
Pirates
Not only would this topic definitely be of interest to students, it is important to break typical clichés in modern society. The true stories of pirates such as Blackbeard are often very misunderstood. Teaching students accurate accounts of topics such as this will encourage them to be more inquisitive learners.
Raleigh
How Raleigh became the states capital is important for students to understand. They will gain an knowledge of how our state has transformed throughout the years.
Agriculture
NC is a state majorly influenced by agriculture. My students would benefit by hearing about the development of NC, including its agricultural developments.
The American Revolution
It is important for students to understand how this country was founded, what steps needed to be taken, and how this affects them today. Learning about the American Revolution also allows students to see NC's own influence on this country.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that affected many areas. The influence of this movement was seen in literature, art, religion, science, and many other areas. It's influence was profound and it trickles down throughout our own culture.
WWI
One of the most devastating conflicts ever, this global war should be taught in order for students to understand how conflicts can often arise. I want my students to understand how wars such as this affect them in their own lives.
WWII
The effects of this war are still seen today. In particular, the effects of the dropping of the atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima were devastating for the areas. What does this say about the USA?
Pearl Harbor
How was NC affected by Pearl Harbor? The USS North Carolina ported in Wilmington, NC would be an awesome place based learning trip to take students on to allow them to see how NC was influenced by the entrance into the War.
Japanese Internment Camps
Our country is not perfect, yet it is often portrayed in such a light. By teaching about the Japanese Internment camps, I will help my students become more aware of the history of our country. I would also like to use this topic to encourage my students to be critical thinkers who are willing to question the actions and motives of their leaders instead of blindly following along.
The Great Depression
In our current society, there are a great number of unemployed individuals and people suffering under great economic hardships. I would like my students to understand past experiences such as this in order to better their futures and in turn, the future of this country.
Holocaust
The importance of this particular topic stems from the fact that it helps students understand the roots and ramifications of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping.
The Roaring 20’s
I believe that it is important to find a balance between teaching tragedies such as war with topics that revolve around prosperous situations such as the roaring twenties. Plus, it sounds like a great topic to teach!
Prohibition
Learning about how this affected citizens is crucial in seeing how this country was shaped. Seeing how North Carolinians were affected by this will also be interesting for students.
Civil War
As an educator, I want my students to be aware of the war that occurred in our very own country. Our society is still affected by the events of the civil war, so students could relate to this particular topic.
Reconstruction
It will be important to teach my students about the aftermath of war, where countries piece themselves together and gain more economic prosperity. In particular, they can see how NC's economy was changed.
Slavery
Going past the civil war, I would like my students to be aware of the history of African Americans. I want to feel free to discuss the effects of slavery, prejudice, and discrimination that are still very evident in our society.
Civil Rights Movement
After the abolishment of slavery, African Americans still had many challenges to face. The Civil Rights Movement should be taught to show the strength of the movement and determination of a group of people striving to make their lives better.
Technology-flight, trains, phones etc.
The effects of technology are impossible to miss, but how has technology advanced? My students will benefit from learning how technology began because they are obviously still affected by it today. As the future leaders, they should be aware of how to continue advancing technology.
Music and Art (rock and roll)
In our society, creativity is often discounted. Some of the most influential individuals in our history have been those who go out on a limb. By teaching about the influence of music and the arts, I will encourage students to use their imagination.
Women’s Rights
Today, women are still not given the same recognition as their male counterparts. How can we continue stripping down this for the women of tomorrow? Understanding how women's rights have been changed throughout our history is important in understanding how they will adapt in our futures.
Industrial Revolution
Mass production of goods enhanced the economy. NC's own influence in agriculture was improved due to these advancements.
Space Travel
This topic is important to teach because it reaches beyond our boundaries, exploring new horizons. Plus, it would grab the attention of many students!
Presidents
Our students should learn about the leaders of our country. If not, how can they make accurate judgments and decisions when concerned with their own lives?
Three Branches of the Government
Learning about the branches of government is important in understanding how our country is ran. Students will gain a knowledge of the function of the United States after learning about this topic.
Natural Disasters
Students will understand how this affects economy and emergency services. They will also learn how we adapt to such circumstances in our own state.
Spanish-American War
Gaining Louisiana, the United States improved trade in the country. The product of this war was an enhancement of the country's prospects.
The Cold War
In hearing about The Cold War, students will learn about the political and military tension that occurred between the powers associated with the war as well as how we can learn from the mistakes of our past.
The Gold Rush
The Gold Rush is an example of what people will do to better their lives. It shows that determined people are willing to go out on a limb, searching for the life they dream of. NC had its own gold rush that many do not know about. Comparing the two could be quite interesting for students.
The Boston Tea Party
This uprising against 'taxation without representation' severed ties with England. Learning about this allows students to appreciate a democracy. It can be tied into the goals of the U.S. as well as NC's own goals.
Terrorism (Such as 9/11)
There are many tragedies in the past of this country, such as September 11th. I want my students to be aware of acts of terrorism, showing how the United States stands up against acts of terrorism.
The Vietnam War
This was not a proud time in this country. Many troops came from Fort Bragg, so NC definitely had a major influence in the war. How this affected North Carolinians is an important part of our history.
Unions
The union defined and reconstructed the workforce. Understanding how this affected workers rights and the standard of living will open students eyes to the differences in the cost of living.
French and Indian War
Showing students how the British controlled the coast during this war would be interesting for students. They could see the effect of the NC militia during the war.
Advancements in Medicine
Understanding how NC has influenced the advancements in the medical field is important in the advancement of the United States as a whole. It also still affects the state today!
Immigration
We are a country of immigrants yet the topic of immigration is now quite the controversy. Students should have the opportunity to see how this country was founded by immigrants and continues to become even more diversified.
The Constitution of the United States
The Constitution reflects the goals of the founders. It is important in the history of our country as a document reflecting the ideals during that time period.
The Amendments
The Amendments to the constitution reflect changing times and ideals. Amendments of the constitution reflect individual rights of people, races, and cultures. They have changed over time and are important in understanding the laws that were put in place during different eras.
The War in Iraq and the War in Afghanistan
The influence of the most recent wars is undoubtedly seen in NC from our economy to our own soldiers. Teaching about these wars is important in understanding the recent past of our country and state.
Famous North Carolinians
In teaching students about famous North Carolinians, I will be encouraging them to strive for greatness as well as sharing the history of our great state.
10 People:
Albert Einstein
Regarded as the father of modern physics, Einstein had a major influence on our society. His importance cannot be missed, and students should recognize his contributions.
George Washington
Not only was George Washington one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, he was also a commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and the first President of the United States.
Aristotle
A major figure in Western philosophy, Aristotle made significant contributions to his studies such in the physical sciences and philosophy.
Charles Darwin
The idea of natural selection is still discussed today. Darwin’s influence is therefore, still very evident. Where would we be without his particular influence?
Adolf Hitler
Leader of the Nazi Party, Hitler was a man that stands out in history. His influence stemmed past Nazi Germany to our own country and state. What did North Carolinians do during WWII to fight against Hitler?
Martin Luther Kind Jr.
MLK Jr. was a major figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He can be seen as the figurehead of the movement, recognizing the hard work that many people did during this time to gain the freedoms that these people deserved.
Anne Frank
Making her famous, Anne Frank's diary sheds light on the Holocaust. Teaching about Anne Frank allows students to have a connection when they are learning about WWII. They can see how the words of one girl emphasized the lives of many.
Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh helped pave the way for more colonies. Learning about this influential character will benefit students in allowing them to understand how NC has been shaped.
Abraham Lincoln
As the 16th president of the U.S., Lincoln led the country through the Civil War, a conflict often fought between brothers. He is an important figure in our history for his influence in the abolishment of slavery as well as his time as president during the war.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, an entrepreneur, is known for co-founding Apple Inc. Teaching about Steve Jobs will allow our students to see the influence he had in the field of technology. Maybe one of our own students can make NC proud by becoming the next major visionary of technology!
10 People: